In 1906, John Otto, a trail builder fell in love with Colorado’s red-rock canyons; five years later, they became a national monument and he became their custodian for $1 a month. Otto wanted the canyons south of Grand Junction to receive national recognition. He built trails by hand, guided visitors, raised support and wrote letters to government officials. His efforts continued until President William Howard Taft signed a proclamation establishing Colorado National Monument on May 24, 1911. Otto then became its first superintendent. He lived in the canyons for much of the year with his horse and burros while continuing his trail work.
